Just how fuel efficient in the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel? Ask Mike Velemirovich, an avid hockey fan and car dealership owner in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mike recently drove over 11 hours and almost 1200 kilometers to the Bell Center in Montreal on one tank of diesel. Yes you read that correctly: more than 11 hours, one tank of fuel. Not bad considering the vehicle had just over than 1000 kilometers on it when the journey began and will only become more efficient the more the vehicle is used. Mike used a commercial-grade B5 biodiesel blend made in Nova Scotia using a fish-based by-product material.

Recently Mike spoke with Normand Miron from TDI Curious about his reasons for exploring the world of clean fuel.

My family has been in the car business for almost 30 years - a whole generation. I was struck by how much our world has changed in the last generation. I realized that my family was responsible for introducing over 10,000 cars to Canadian roads - quite an impact. I challenged myself to find out, if we could reduce our impact while maintaining the business. Could we integrate economic sustainability with environmental sustainability? Turns out car dealers can do a lot to help the environment AND the other two reasons for sustainability: reducing risk in energy security and managing rising energy costs. Things like alternative - I prefer to use the word “future” - fuels like biodiesel and ethanol. Dealers can also advocate for efficient powertrains like electrics. In the short term we can promote improved use of the 18-million cars currently on the road in Canada. Things like maintenance and my favorite, slower speeds.

See the entire interview after the jump, including why Mike believes the future of the diesel market looks bright and if he'll make the trip all over again should the Montreal Canadiens make it to the NHL playoffs next spring.

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